Tom Hicks, the influential Texas businessman who left a significant mark on the sports world as the former owner of the Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, and Liverpool Football Club, has died. He was 79 years old.
A Legacy Built in Texas Sports
The news of his passing was confirmed on December 7, 2025. Hicks was a central figure in the professional sports landscape of Texas for many years. His tenure as owner saw major events, including the Texas Rangers' first World Series appearance in 2010 and the Dallas Stars' Stanley Cup victory in 1999.
His ownership style was characterized by ambitious investments in players and facilities, aiming to build championship-caliber teams. While his time with the clubs had its share of controversies, particularly regarding team debt and eventual sales, his impact on their trajectories was undeniable.
An International Foray with Liverpool FC
Hicks, along with business partner George Gillett, expanded his sports portfolio internationally in 2007 with the purchase of the iconic English soccer club, Liverpool FC. Their ownership period, however, proved tumultuous and deeply unpopular with the club's passionate fanbase.
The era was marked by significant debt placed on the club and public disputes between the owners, leading to widespread protests. This chapter of his career ended in 2010 when the club was sold to its current owners, Fenway Sports Group. Despite the fraught ending, this move underscored Hicks's willingness to operate on the global stage of elite sports.
Remembering a Complex Figure
Beyond sports, Tom Hicks was a prominent private equity investor and philanthropist in the Dallas area. His death marks the end of an era for the franchises he led. Reactions from the sports community are expected to pour in, remembering a man whose ambitions reshaped multiple teams and whose legacy remains a topic of discussion among fans in Texas, across North America, and in Liverpool.
Details regarding the cause of death and memorial services have not been immediately disclosed. He is survived by his family, who have requested privacy during this time.
